Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printe
✅ PROS
- True borderless 4x6 prints at 5760x1440 dpi with pigment inks that resist fading and water damage for decades
- Compact 12.6 x 6.9 x 4.6-inch footprint fits on a shelf, yet delivers lab-quality output rivaling retail kiosks
- Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB host port give flexible connection options beyond standard wireless printing
❌ CONS
- Print speeds of 36 seconds per 4x6 photo feel sluggish when batch-printing 20+ images
- Proprietary 50-sheet photo paper packs are the only cost-effective ink option, locking you into Epson's consumables
The Verdict
The Epson PictureMate PM-400 sits in a strange middle ground. It’s not a pocket printer like the Canon Zoemini, and it’s not a full-office multifunction. It does exactly one thing — print gorgeous 4x6 borderless photos — and it does that one thing exceptionally well. If you’re tired of paying $0.50 per print at CVS or dealing with the muddy colors from a budget inkjet, this compact photo lab might be the answer.
What’s Actually in the Box
You get the PM-400 itself (12.6 x 6.9 x 4.6 inches, 4.4 pounds), a power adapter, a starter ink cartridge, and a 50-sheet pack of Epson’s Premium Glossy Photo Paper. Setup takes about five minutes: snap in the cartridge, load the paper tray, connect to Wi-Fi. The 2.7-inch tilt-up display is basic — it’s not a touchscreen — but it’s sufficient for navigating the menu and checking ink levels.
The starter cartridge is a nice touch. Most printer manufacturers ship you a half-empty “setup” cartridge that dies after 20 prints. Epson includes a full-capacity one here, good for roughly 100 borderless 4x6s. That’s a meaningful savings right out of the gate.
Real-World Performance
Print quality is where the PM-400 justifies its existence. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution produces sharp, grain-free images with accurate skin tones and deep blacks. Colors are punchy but not oversaturated — a common failure point for consumer photo printers. The pigment-based inks dry instantly, resist smudging, and Epson rates them for up to 200 years of fade resistance. I’ve seen 5-year-old prints from this model hanging in frames that still look fresh.
Speed is the tradeoff. At 36 seconds per 4x6, you’re waiting about 10 minutes for a 15-photo batch. That’s fine for printing once a week, but if you’re planning a 200-photo scrapbook weekend, you’ll be watching paint dry. Wireless connectivity is solid — Wi-Fi Direct works flawlessly from both Android and iOS, and the Epson iPrint app handles basic editing. There’s also a USB-A host port for printing directly from a thumb drive, which is handy for printing from a camera’s SD card via an adapter.
What Buyers Keep Praising
The 4.5-star average across 225 ratings isn’t accidental. Reviewers consistently mention the “smudge-proof, waterproof prints” and “true photo-lab quality at home.” One long-term owner noted, “I’ve printed over 2,000 photos in three years with zero jams.” Another highlighted the fade resistance: “Prints from 2018 still look like they came out yesterday.” The compact footprint gets frequent shout-outs too — it’s small enough to store in a closet between uses.
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be direct about the downsides. First, the ink economy. Epson sells the PM-400’s ink in 50-sheet or 100-sheet “print packs” that bundle paper and cartridge. There’s no way to buy ink alone, so you’re locked into Epson’s consumables. The 100-sheet pack runs about $35, which works out to $0.35 per print. That’s cheaper than a kiosk but pricier than a bulk inkjet.
Second, the paper tray holds only 50 sheets and sticks out awkwardly from the front. It’s fine on a desk but frustrating if you’re squeezing this onto a crowded shelf. Third, the display is dim and the menu navigation feels dated — don’t expect the polish of a modern smartphone-connected device.
Who Should Buy This
The PM-400 is perfect for three groups: parents who want to print school photos and birthday party shots without leaving the house; hobbyists who shoot with a dedicated camera and want physical prints for albums; and anyone who’s been burned by cheap inkjets that clog after two weeks of disuse. The pigment inks don’t clog the same way dye-based systems do — this printer can sit for months and fire right up.
Skip it if you need 8x10s or larger, if you’re printing hundreds of photos per month (the speed will drive you insane), or if you’re on a tight budget — the $250-ish street price plus ongoing consumables is real money.
FAQ
Is the Epson PM-400 compatible with Mac and iPhone? Yes. It supports AirPrint, Wi-Fi Direct, and the Epson iPrint app for both iOS and Android. Mac users can print directly from Photos without additional drivers.
Can the PM-400 print matte or luster finish photos? No. It only works with Epson’s glossy photo paper packs. If you want matte prints, look at the Canon Selphy series instead.
How much does it cost per print? Roughly $0.35 per 4x6 when buying the 100-sheet ink/paper bundles. The 50-sheet starter pack is about $0.40 per print. That’s cheaper than most retail kiosks but not as cheap as a high-volume inkjet.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want lab-quality 4x6 prints at home with minimal hassle, don’t mind the per-print cost, and value longevity over speed.
Skip it if you need bigger formats, print in high volume, or want a do-everything printer for documents and photos.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Subtract points for the slow speed and proprietary consumables. Add them right back for the exceptional print quality, reliable operation, and fade resistance that makes your photos last longer than the memories they capture.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.